Limited number of automated responses on state's tax refund hotline

Q: Is there another way to check the status of our refund? The hotline number given keeps saying they are having technical difficulties.

A: When a taxpayer enters information into the Revenue Department's automated system, there are a limited number of automated responses, said Carla Snellgrove, spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Revenue. If no record of the return can be found in the system, either online or hotline, it will give that message. Taxpayers may also get that answer for a number of reasons. There may be a questionable item on the return, she said, or some information may be missing. "For next year, we hope to make improvements in that."

If no record can be found of the refund by using the online refund inquiry system or by calling 1-800-558-3912, readers can call 334-242-1099, she said. "As you can understand, the department is receiving a large volume of calls each day concerning refunds, and we encourage taxpayers to try the online and hotline telephone systems first to avoid any delays in getting through to a department representative."

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